Youth Homelessness on the Rise
Share:
The government announced this week that they are going to be investing £470 million to help prevent people from becoming homeless and to help people who are already homeless. In 2007-08 the Advice bureau received 2,890 calls involving 17 to 24 year olds becoming homeless, whereas during 2012-13 4,529 young people asked for help with the same problem – an increase of 57%.
A Citizens Advice worker stated that ‘the rise is a very clear indicator of the impact the recession has had on this age group.’ The charity believes that young people have been hit the hardest when it comes to finding a job.
No wonder homelessness is on the rise, as higher house prices, rent costs and bills are making it even harder for young people to make ends meet.
Many have left home for various reasons, some of which are violence, abuse, and neglect although this isn’t always the case; as in some cases parents/carers have thrown their own kids out of the house.
Being homeless doesn’t exactly mean you’re sleeping on the streets, it could mean you are sleeping at a friend’s, living in a temporary hostel or even squatting with no fixed address. Imagine having to squat in an empty house or a derelict building at this time of year.
Let’s hope the issue gets sorted sooner rather than later. To read the full report upon which this information is based click here